The CGI animals are said to contain elements of The Beatles, Take That and One Direction in the hope of creating that music magic to win fans over.

A script is being cobbled together by David Walliams, according to The Sun, and the whole idea has been in the works for four years.

One character will be loosely based on Harry Styles (Image: Getty Images Europe)

“This is the most bizarre entertainment project of the decade,” a source scoffed to the paper.

“But Simon wants to create the next big thing in music and he thinks a band of monkeys based on mega boybands like 1D could be the answer,” the source continues - predicting that CGI characters will have less “ego” than real performers.

“The Monkeys will be a group made up of four Brits who have had major success in America like The Beatles in the 60s,” the source teased.

According to the report, the lead singer, named Hart, will be loosely based on Harry Styles, while an orang-utan guitarist will be based on The Monkees star Michael Nesmith.

The animated band Gorillaz has existed since 1998 (Image: Gorillaz)

Another character, called Keith, is said to be comparable to Take That’s Mark Own, while the drummer, Wilfred, will be based on Ringo Starr.

The new venture isn’t exactly original - as Damon Alburn of Blur fame launched an animated band called Gorillaz in 1998 which went on to have worldwide success.

The group - which was co-created by cartoonist Jamie Hewlett - had hit songs including Clint Eastwood and Feel Good Inc.

Only time will tell if Cowell’s more manufactured efforts will enjoy any success at all.

“Cowell’s entire career has been based on taking big risks and this is another example of that," the source said.